By KIM NELSON
The Pulaski County Middle School gym was full of excitement on Thursday as spectators witnessed an outstanding comeback by the Cougar volleyball team to claim its sixth victory of the season.
In the first contest, the Cougars trailed 17-24, with Andrew Lewis looking for game point.
Andrew Lewis lost the serve and it was the Cougars’ turn. Ainsley Vaughan served out the game for the Cougars as they managed to play flawlessly to allow Vaughan to continue to serve. The Cougars went on to win 26-24 and claimed the second game 25-20 to raise their record to 6-1 on the season, despite missing three starters.
Vaughan finished the first game with a 13-for-13 serving performance. Bailey Viars was 5-for-5, Jayden Brown 3-for-3, Sandy Santos and Ryleigh Dean were both 2-for-2, and Bethenny King 1-for-1 as the Cougars did not miss a serve in the first game.
With three of the team’s top hitters out for various reasons, other players stepped up to the challenge. Viars led the Cougars with four hits, Santos added two, and Brown one. Dean and Vaughan combined for six assists and six tips. Viars, Vaughan, Dean, and Brown led the Cougars in passing.
Serving was definitely a friend to the Cougars on this night as they missed just two serves in game two. Vaughan was 7-for-7 from the service line, Viars was 7-for-8, and Brown 4-for-4 to lead the way.
The Cougars collected 11 hits with Bailey recording four, King three, and Vaughan and Brown two each. Dean and Vaughan teamed for six assists and four tips. Santos, Vaughan, Viars and King were the top passers.
The Cougars claimed the extra games 25-17, 25-12 to complete the sweep.
Isabella Osborne posted an 8-for-8 performance from the service line, Kaya Harriman was 4-for-4, and Adalyn Arnold 3-for-3. Arnold added three tips and the top passer was Devae Carter.
In the second game, King was the top server, going 8-for-8, while Harriman was 5-for-5, and Madison Akers was 5-for-6. Carter and Osborne each had a hit. The top passers were Osborne, Akers and Carter.